Can opener and sealer



March 1932- .c. E. PETERSON CAN OPENER AND SEALER Filed Now 28, 1950 IN VEN TOR.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Mar. 15, 1932 UNITED STATES CIIHIOBD E. PETERSON, OI OGDEN, UTAH can cram m SEALER Application tiled November 1980. Serial No. 498,843.

This invention relates to a device for puncturing the top wall of a can so that the contents may be poured from the latter, and for covering and sealing the punctured can to prevent contamination of the contents thereof.

More particularly, the present invention aims to provide an improved device of the above kind including a cover adapted to fit snugly over the top end of the can, and means carried by the cover for punching holes 1n the top of the can to provide for the outflow of the contents thereof and the flow of air thereinto, the punching means being adapted to form a seal for said holes.

An object of the present invention is to rovide a device of the above type by means of which the can may be punctured with facility and ease, and which is of extremely sim le and durable construction.

The invention consists in the novel form,

combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more fully described, shown in the accompanying drawings and claimed, In the drawings:

Figure 1 is atop plan view of a can opener and sealer embodying the present invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical central section thereof in position on the top of a can preparatory to puncturing the latter.

Figure 3 is a View similar to F1gure 2 with the device in position after the can is punctured.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary central vertical 5 section of a modification of the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive; and

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3', showing a further form of can opener and sealer. 1

In the drawings, 5 indicates a can adapted to contain evaporated milk or any other liquid. The present device includes a cover for the can 5 after it has been opened, said cover being in the form of a slip-cover or cap composed of a top wall 6 and a deep flange or rim 7 adapted to fit snugly over the sides of the can and to extend'a material distance below the top of the latter. Carried by the top wall 6 near opposite sides of the cover are de ending pointed prongs or punches 8 n the forms of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, a sheet metal handle 9 of inverted U-shape is riveted at 10 on the u fiat top 6 of the cover to facilitate placing of the latter on the can or removal of the same therefrom. The ends of this handle have integral outward extensions 11 which lie flatly on the top 6 and whose outer free ends '0 are apertured to slidably receive the elongated cylindrical shanks 12 provided on the upper ends of the punches 8. The top 6 also has openings registered with the apertures of the extensions 11 and through which the shanks 12 slidably extend, the walls of the last-named apertures being pressed upwardly in tubular form as at 13 to provide efiicient guide bearings for the shanks 12.

In the device of Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, leaf springs 14 are attached'above the extensions 11 by the rivets 10, said springs having slotted outer free ends through which the shanks 12 freely extend, and said shanks hava ing heads 15 on the upper ends thereof against the under sides of which the springs 14 bear.

The elongated slots of the springs 14 are indicated at 16, and it will be apparent that such springs will act to normally elevate the punches 8 so that the latter may not interfere so with initial placing of the cover on the can. The upward movement of the punches 8 is properly limited by means of annular shoulders or stops 17 rigid with the lower ends of the shanks 12 and arranged to engage the 8. under side of the top 6.

In using the device, the cover 6, 7 is placed over the can as shown in Figure 2, and it may then be pushed downwardly with sufficient ressure to cause the punches 8 to punc- 9U ture t e top of the can as shown in Figure 3. However, in case difficulty is had in puncturing the can in this way, the punches may be driven through the top of the can by striking se arate blows on the heads 15 with the aid 0 asuitable tool. This displaces the punches relative to the cover, and when the can has been punctured said cover may be pressed further onto the can. As the holes in the can are closed by the punches 8 and 1 shoulders 17 at this time, the contents of the can are kept free of dirt or the like and protected from contamination by flies. When it is desired to use the contents of the can, said contents may be readily poured out upon removal of the device from the can by grasping the handle 9 and exerting an upward pull thereon-relative to the can.

In the device of Figure 5 a simpler but less efiicient opener and sealer is found. This device provides no handle, and the punches are riveted to the top 6 as at 18 so as to be rigid therewith.

What I claim as new is:

1. A can opener and sealer comprising a cap-shaped cover for the can, a sheet metal handle of inverted U-shape secured on the top of said cover, the ends of said handle having integral outward extensions lying flatly on the top of the cover and having apertures in the outer ends thereof, the top of the cover having openings registered with said apertures of the extensions, pointed punches having rigid shanks on their upper ends slidable in said apertures and openings of the extensions and the top of the cover. stops on the lower ends of the shanks to limit upward movement of the punches, and heads on the upper ends of the shanks to limit downward movement of the punches.

2. A can opener and sealer comprising a cap-shaped cover for the can, a sheet metal handle of inverted U-shape secured on the top of said cover, the ends of said handle having integral outward extensions lying flatly on the top of the cover and having apertures in the outer ends thereof, the top of the cover having openings registered with said apertures of the extensions, pointed punches having rigid shanks on their upper ends slidable in said apertures and openings of the extensions and the top of the cover, stops on the lower ends of the shanks to limit upward movement of the punches, and heads on the upper ends of the shanks to limit downward. movement of the punches, and leaf springs attached to the cover and engaging the heads of said shanks to normally yieldi-ngly elevate the punches.

3. A can opener and sealer comprising a cap-shaped cover for the can, a sheet metal handle of inverted U-shape secured on the top of said cover, the ends of said handle having integral outward extensions lying flatly on the top of the cover and having apertures in the outer ends thereof, the top of the cover having openings registered with said apertures of the extensions, pointed punches having rigid shanks on their upper ends slidable in said apertures and openings of the extensions and the top of the cover, stops on the lower ends of the shanks to limit upward movement of the punchesyand heads on the upper ends of the shanks to limit downwardmovement of the punches, the walls of the ture.

CLIFFORD E. PETERSON. 

